Beaujolais

One of the ten Cru sites in Beaujolais in France, located around the town of Villié-Morgon, from which it takes the name. The vineyard area totals 1.100 hectares, the vineyards are located at an altitude of 450 metres above sea level on slate and basalt-rich soils in the east, and on sandy or gravelly soils in the north and west. They are divided into six Climats (sites), the names of which may be stated on the label. The red wines are full-bodied and robust (particularly those from the Côte de Py site) are particularly long-lived, and only develop after 4 to 6 years. This has become something of a synonym, to „Morgonnise“ means that they resemble a Pinot Noir-dominated wine from the Côte d´Or. They are considered to be among the best wines in Beaujolais, together with those of the Crus Chénas and Moulin-à-Vent (vins de garde). Well-known producers include Louis-Claude Desvignes, Jean Foillard, M. Lapierre, Château de Pizay, Domaine Aucoeur, Domaine Jean Descombes and Domaine de la Roche Pillée.